ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Harmful Behaviours Scale (HBS), which is an observational rating scale that aims to measure self-destructive behaviours. It was designed for residents of nursing homes, who are generally elderly and many of whom have dementia. The HBS takes a unique perspective in examining changes in behaviour commonly associated with dementia, focusing on behaviours that affect the individual with dementia, as opposed to other people. The psychometric studies conducted to date suggest that the HBS has sound measurement properties, with good internal consistency and excellent inter-rater reliability for the total score. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
